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Fauci Issues Statement After Pre-Emptive Pardon. Conservatives Respond.

Leah Barkoukis
Leah Barkoukis  |  January 20, 2025 9:45 AM

Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, responded Monday after President Biden issued a pre-emptive a pardon protecting him against possible retribution from the incoming administration.

In a statement announcing the pardons for Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, lawmakers and staff that served on the Jan. 6 Committee, and U.S. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers who testified before the Select Committee, Biden said the move doesn't suggest the individuals committed any crimes. 

“These are exceptional circumstances, and I cannot in good conscience do nothing. Baseless and politically motivated investigations wreak havoc on the lives, safety, and financial security of targeted individuals and their families,” Biden said.

“The issuance of these pardons should not be mistaken as an acknowledgement that any individual engaged in any wrongdoing, nor should acceptance be misconstrued as an admission of guilt for any offense,” he continued. “Our nation owes these public servants a debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment to our country.”

Fauci's statement to ABC's Jonathan Karl echoed that sentiment. 

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"I really truly appreciate the action President Biden has taken today on my behalf. Let me be perfectly clear, Jon, I have committed no crime, you know that, and there are no possible grounds for any allegation or threat of criminal investigation or prosecution of me,” he said.

If that were the case, conservatives argued he shouldn't accept it.